Model scout Daniel Siad found dead while under investigation for Epstein ties

Daniel Siad, a modelling agent who had been under criminal investigation for his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, was found dead at his home in Colombes, a suburb of Paris, on the night of Monday, 20 July 2026. French authorities confirmed the discovery of the body, and the Nanterre Judicial Court indicated that a post-mortem examination will be conducted to establish the cause of death.

Marie-Celine Lawrysz, deputy prosecutor at the Nanterre Judicial Court, confirmed that an inquiry is ongoing. Menya Arab-Tigrine, the legal representative for Siad, stated that she believes her client suffered a heart attack, attributing his condition to the intense pressure and anxiety he experienced during recent months.

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"Mr. Siad needed to cry out his truth and his innocence."

Menya Arab-Tigrine, attorney, via ABC News

Siad had been the subject of an active investigation in France, which intensified following the public release of thousands of documents by the U.S. Justice Department earlier this year. These records, disclosed in accordance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, contained Siad’s name more than 2,000 times. The documentation revealed communications between Siad and Epstein, in which the agent provided updates on young women he had scouted across locations including Sweden and Eastern Europe.

In a July 2014 message, Siad detailed his efforts, noting his progress with several potential recruits. In a subsequent exchange, he mentioned candidates between the ages of 15 and 17. In describing his work to Epstein, Siad wrote, In This busyness I feel like fisherman some time I cache quick , some time no fish. The records also indicate that Epstein requested specific details and photographs of women Siad identified. When shown a photograph by the agent, Epstein reportedly replied curtly: Too big. Another document shows Epstein asking, anything worth coming to paris for? The files further show that Epstein provided tens of thousands of dollars to Siad.

Prior to his death, Siad denied knowledge of criminal intent. In interviews with various international media outlets, including CNN and BFMTV, he stated that he believed he was performing standard modelling duties. He maintained that he was deceived by Epstein, whom he characterized as a professional linked to firms such as Victoria's Secret and MC2. He told CNN, I trusted him and believed the guy was a professional. Siad claimed he believed Epstein’s assurances that his previous 2008 conviction was a resolved matter and that he would face no further legal scrutiny.

In addition to the French inquiry regarding his role as a facilitator for Epstein, Siad faced a separate allegation of rape stemming from an incident in 1990. His attorney stated that Siad had attempted to contact French authorities to address claims against him, though she alleged that these attempts were rejected. The scrutiny surrounding the agent increased following a recent BBC report featuring an account from an alleged victim identified by the pseudonym "Anya," who accused Siad of introducing her to Epstein and described his conduct as that of a professional trafficker.

Jeffrey Epstein died in a Manhattan jail in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. French prosecutors continue to maintain an open inquiry regarding individuals accused of abetting the financier.